Computer system providing service to multiple users using satellites in earth orbit, and method and program executed by computer system

ABSTRACT

A computer system of the present invention comprises a processor unit, and is configured to be capable of communicating with a user device operated by a first user and a satellite. The satellite includes a religious object and an information providing means for providing information associated with the religious object. The processor unit is configured to execute at least the following: acquiring location data indicating a location on Earth of the first user; acquiring bearing data indicating a bearing; calculating, on the basis of the location data and the bearing data, a time period in which the satellite is located in a predetermined space extending toward the bearing from the location on Earth of the first user; and providing the user device with information associated with the religious object provided by the information providing means of the satellite only during the time period.

This application is a national phase of International Application No.PCT/JP2021/003723 filed 2 Feb. 2021, which claims priority to JapanApplication No. 2020-016635 filed 3 Feb. 2020, the entireties of whichare hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a computer system for providing aservice to a plurality of users by utilizing a satellite on an orbitaround Earth, and a method and a program that are executed in such acomputer system.

BACKGROUND ART

With a decrease in the household size in recent years, the unit of onehousehold is about to transition from a unit of “house” to a unit of“individual” (i.e., increase in “individualization”). Further, with therecent changes in the industrial structure, the main industry is aboutto transition rapidly from primary industries to tertiaryindustries/quaternary industries (acceleration in transition from theso-called “settled lifestyle” to “nomadic lifestyle”). In light of suchchanges in the social landscape, the premise of settling down on a landpassed down from generation to generation is about to disappear. One ofthe concerns of modern individuals is that it is difficult to manage theancestral grave due to the difficulty in settling down on a land passeddown from generation to generation.

A technology for placing a columbarium that houses remains fromcremation on an orbit around Earth is known as a conventional technologyfor overcoming such difficulty (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

PTL 1 Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. 2000-217873

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Although the aforementioned conventional technology would free a modernindividual from being tied down to a land passed down from generation togeneration in order to tend to a grave, it had a problem in that it isdifficult to deem a columbarium in space as a foundation of faith.

The inventors arrived at a concept of a “space temple” in space as atemple where individualized and mobile modern individuals can lean on.Such a “space temple” provides various services, which enable aplurality of users on Earth to use the “space temple” as a foundation offaith, to the plurality of users on Earth.

The present invention was conceived in view of such a problem. Theobjective of the invention is to provide a computer system that canmaterialize the concept of a “space temple” and a method and a programthat are executed in such a computer system.

Solution to Problem

In one aspect of the present invention, the computer system of theinvention is a computer system for providing a service to a plurality ofusers by utilizing a satellite on an orbit around Earth, wherein thecomputer system comprises a processing unit, the computer system isconfigured to enable a user apparatus and the satellite to communicate,the satellite comprises a religious object and information providingmeans for providing information associated with the religious object,the user apparatus is operated by a first user who is one of theplurality of users, and the processing unit is configured to execute atleast: obtaining location data indicating a location of the first useron Earth; obtaining direction data indicating a direction; computing atimeframe during which the satellite is positioned within apredetermined space extending from the location of the first user onEarth toward the direction based on the location data and the directiondata; and providing information associated with the religious objectprovided by the information providing means of the satellite to the userapparatus only during the timeframe.

In one embodiment, the present invention may be configured so that theinformation providing means comprises a first camera, which is capableof capturing Earth from a viewpoint of the religious object, and theinformation associated with the religious object is an image of Earthfrom a viewpoint of the religious object captured by the first camera.

In one embodiment, the present invention may be configured so that theinformation providing means further comprises a second camera, which iscapable of capturing the religious object, and the informationassociated with the religious object is an image captured by the firstcamera and an image captured by the second camera.

In one embodiment, the present invention may be configured so that theprocessing unit is configured to further execute notification of a starttime of the timeframe and an end time of the timeframe in advance to theuser apparatus.

In one embodiment, the present invention may be configured so that theprocessing unit is configured to further execute notification of a startof the timeframe at a start time of the timeframe.

In one embodiment, the present invention may be configured so that theprocessing unit is configured to further execute transmission of desireddata of the first user to the satellite.

In one embodiment, the present invention may be configured so that thesatellite further comprises one or more housings for storing remainsfrom cremation requested to be buried from each of the plurality ofusers.

In one embodiment, the present invention may be configured so that theprocessing unit is configured to further execute: obtaining anidentifier for identifying each of the one or more housings and desireddata; and transmitting the desired data to a housing identified by theidentifier as an offering.

In one embodiment, the present invention may be configured so that thedesired data comprises text data, image data, audio data, or acombination thereof.

In one embodiment, the present invention may be configured so that thereligious object comprises a statue of Buddha.

In one embodiment, the present invention may be configured so that thedirection is a direction designated by the first user, a directiondesignated by default, a direction designated at random, or a directiondesignated in the past.

In one aspect of the present invention, the method of the invention is amethod executed in a computer system for providing a service to aplurality of users by utilizing a satellite on an orbit around Earth,wherein the computer system comprises a processing unit, the computersystem is configured to enable a user apparatus and the satellite tocommunicate, the satellite comprises a religious object and informationproviding means for providing information associated with the religiousobject, the user apparatus is operated by a first user who is one of theplurality of users, and the method comprises: obtaining, by theprocessing unit, location data indicating a location of the first useron Earth; obtaining, by the processing unit, direction data indicating adirection; computing, by the processing unit, a timeframe during whichthe satellite is positioned within a predetermined space extending fromthe location of the first user on Earth toward the direction based onthe location data and the direction data; and providing, by theprocessing unit, information associated with the religious objectprovided by the information providing means of the satellite to the userapparatus only during the timeframe.

In one aspect of the present invention, the program of the invention isa program executed in a computer system for providing a service to aplurality of users by utilizing a satellite on an orbit around Earth,wherein the computer system comprises a processing unit, the computersystem is configured to enable a user apparatus and the satellite tocommunicate, the satellite comprises a religious object and informationproviding means for providing information associated with the religiousobject, the user apparatus is operated by a first user who is one of theplurality of users, and the program, when executed by the processingunit, causes the processing unit to execute at least: obtaining locationdata indicating a location of the first user on Earth; obtainingdirection data indicating a direction; computing a timeframe duringwhich the satellite is positioned within a predetermined space extendingfrom the location of the first user on Earth toward the direction basedon the location data and the direction data; and providing informationassociated with the religious object provided by the informationproviding means of the satellite to the user apparatus only during thetimeframe.

In one aspect of the present invention, the computer system of theinvention is a computer system for providing a service to a plurality ofusers by utilizing a satellite on an orbit around Earth, wherein thesatellite is configured to be able to release energy, the computersystem comprises a processing unit, the computer system is configured sothat communication can be established with the satellite, the processingunit is configured to execute at least: obtaining a desired message of afirst user, the first user being one of the plurality of users;obtaining direction data for designating a direction toward which energyis to be released; and transmitting the desired message and thedirection data to the satellite, and the desired message and thedirection data are used by the satellite for the satellite to releaseenergy in accordance with the desired message toward a directiondesignated by the direction data.

In one embodiment, the present invention may be configured so that therelease of energy in accordance with the desired message comprisesreleasing energy with varied emission intervals in accordance with thedesired message.

In one embodiment, the present invention may be configured so that theprocessing unit is configured to further execute: computing a first timeat which the satellite is enabled to release the energy toward thedirection; and transmitting the first time to the satellite, and thedesired message and the direction data are used by the satellite uponarrival of the first time.

In one embodiment, the present invention may be configured so that theprocessing unit is configured to further execute: computing a secondtime at which communication with the satellite is enabled; anddetermining whether the second time has arrived, and the transmittingthe desired message and the direction data is executed when it isdetermined that the second time has arrived.

In one embodiment, the present invention may be configured so that thedirection data is data indicating a star, data indicating aconstellation, or data indicating a nebula.

In one aspect of the present invention, the method of the invention is amethod executed in a computer system for providing a service to aplurality of users by utilizing a satellite on an orbit around Earth,wherein the satellite is configured to be able to release energy, thecomputer system comprises a processing unit, the computer system isconfigured so that communication can be established with the satellite,the method comprises: obtaining, by the processing unit, a desiredmessage of a first user, the first user being one of the plurality ofusers; obtaining, by the processing unit, direction data for designatinga direction toward which energy is to be released; and transmitting, bythe processing unit, the desired message and the direction data to thesatellite, and the desired message and the direction data are used bythe satellite for the satellite to release energy in accordance with thedesired message toward a direction designated by the direction data.

In one aspect of the present invention, the program of the invention isa program executed in a computer system for providing a service to aplurality of users by utilizing a satellite on an orbit around Earth,wherein the satellite is configured to be able to release energy, thecomputer system comprises a processing unit, the computer system isconfigured so that communication can be established with the satellite,the program, when executed by the processing unit, causes the processingunit to execute at least: obtaining a desired message of a first user,the first user being one of the plurality of users; obtaining directiondata for designating a direction toward which energy is to be released;and transmitting the desired message and the direction data to thesatellite, and the desired message and the direction data are used bythe satellite for the satellite to release energy in accordance with thedesired message toward a direction designated by the direction data.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The present invention can provide a computer system that enablesmaterialization of a concept of “space temple”, and a method and aprogram that are executed in such a computer system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a new business model for providing aservice to a plurality of users by utilizing a satellite.

FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of screen 210 displayed on auser apparatus.

FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of screen 220 displayed on auser apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another new business model forproviding a service to a plurality of users by utilizing a satellite.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of computersystem 410 for materializing a new business model.

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration ofinformation stored in user database unit 451.

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration ofinformation stored in deceased individual database unit 452.

FIG. 5C is a diagram showing an example of the configuration ofinformation stored in satellite database unit 453.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processingexecuted in computer system 410, user apparatus 430 ₁, and satellite 440₁.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the flow of processingexecuted in computer system 410, user apparatus 430 ₁, and satellite 440₁.

FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processingexecuted in computer system 410.

FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processingexecuted in satellite 440 ₁.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

The embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter withreference to the drawings. Throughout the entire specification, the samereference number is assigned to the same constituent element.

1. New Business Model for Providing a Service to a Plurality of Users ByUtilizing a Satellite

The Applicant proposes a new business model for providing a service to aplurality of users by utilizing a satellite on an orbit around Earth.Such a business model is intended to enable a religious object (e.g., astatue of Buddha in Buddhism (principle deity), a cult image, which is asubject of idolatry in a religion other than Buddhism (religion thatpermits idolatry), etc.) to watch over a plurality of users on Earthfrom outer space by having a satellite comprising the religious objectorbit around Earth on an orbit. With such a business model, users canput their hands together and pray toward a religious object placed on asatellite during a timeframe in which the satellite passes through thesky in a specific direction (e.g., direction designated by the user). Auser can also receive an image of Earth seen from the viewpoint of areligious object (still image and/or video) or an image capturing thereligious object during the timeframe, whereby the user can feel asthough they are being watched over by the religious object.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a new business model for providing aservice to a plurality of users by utilizing a satellite.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , a satellite 110 comprises a statueof Buddha 111, a storage unit 112, and a solar panel 113, and orbitsaround Earth on an orbit 120. The statue of Buddha 111 is disposed as asubject of religious worship of a plurality of users on Earth. Thestorage unit 112 is for storing at least an interface unit forcommunicating with a computer system (e.g., computer system on Earth), aprocessing unit, a memory unit, and remains from cremation such as boneand/or ash. The solar panel 113 is for at least generating electricenergy for driving the interface unit, processing unit, and memory unitof the satellite 110.

The storage unit 112 further comprises one or more housings for storingremains from cremation such as bones and/or ash. Remains from cremationsuch as bones and/or ash of one deceased individual is stored in each ofthe one or more housings. Each of the one or more housings may furthercomprise a memory unit for storing desired data transmitted from a user.Alternatively, remains from cremation such as bones and/or ash of aplurality of deceased individuals may be stored in one housing.Alternatively, remains from cremation such as bones and/or ash of aplurality of deceased individuals may be stored in a void of the statueof Buddha 111 instead of in the storage unit 112.

The orbit 120 is preferably a trajectory with a different timeframeduring which a satellite passes through the sky in a specific directionfor each predetermined period (e.g., every day, every other day, everythree days, every week, every month, etc.), but the present invention isnot limited thereto. The orbit 120 may be a trajectory with aninvariable timeframe during which a satellite passes through the sky ina specific direction (so-called Sun-synchronous orbit).

The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 describes an example wherein a singlesatellite 110 orbits around Earth, but the present invention is notlimited thereto. The number of satellites orbiting around Earth can beany integer that is one or greater.

2. Screen Displayed on a User Apparatus

FIG. 2A shows an example of a screen 210 displayed on a user apparatus.FIG. 2A is an example of a screen for notifying that a timeframe duringwhich a user can pray to the principle deity of the satellite 110 isapproaching. For example, if the time period from the current time tothe start time of a timeframe during which a user can pray to theprinciple deity of the satellite 110 is within a predetermined range, apopup display indicating that a timeframe during which the user can prayto the principle deity of the satellite 110 is nearing is automaticallydisplayed on a user apparatus. Selection of a predetermined regionwithin the popup display by the user may start up a predeterminedapplication program to display the screen 210 on the user apparatus.Alternatively, if, for example, the time period from the current time tothe start time of a timeframe during which a user can pray to theprinciple deity of the satellite 110 is within a predetermined range, apredetermined application program may be automatically started up toautomatically display the screen 210 on a user apparatus.

In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the screen 210 comprises a positionpresentation region 211 for presenting the approximate position of thesatellite 110 and a timeframe presentation region 212 for presenting atimeframe during which a user can pray to the principle deity of thesatellite 110.

On the position presentation region 211 in the example shown in FIG. 2A,a semispherical schematic diagram, in which a user is disposed at thecenter, is displayed, and a schematic orbit 120′ of the satellite 110 isdisplayed on a semispherical surface. A satellite indicator 213indicating the approximate position of the satellite 110 and a timingindicator 214 indicating the timing at which a user can pray to thesatellite 110 are displayed on the schematic orbit 120′. The satelliteindicator 213 moves along the schematic orbit 120′ as the satellite 110orbits around Earth. This allows a user to visually recognize, inreal-time, approximately where the satellite 110 is positioned, andabout how long until a timeframe, during which the user can pray to theprinciple deity of the satellite 110, arrives.

On the timeframe presentation region 212 in the example shown in FIG.2A, the direction designated by a user, start time of a timeframe duringwhich the user can pray to the principle deity of the satellite 110, andend time of a timeframe during which the user can pray to the principledeity of the satellite 110 are displayed. In the example shown in FIG.2A, the direction designated by the user is “west”, the start time of atimeframe during which the user can pray to the principle deity of thesatellite 110 is “19:00”, and the end time of a timeframe during whichthe user can pray to the principle deity of the satellite 110 is“19:10”.

In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the direction is designated as “west”by the user. Thus, the timing indicator 214 is displayed toward west onthe semispherical surface. When the satellite indicator 213 is displayedon the timing indicator 214 in the example shown in FIG. 2A, the usercan pray toward the direction “west” where the satellite 110 ispositioned, from the start time of “19:00” to the end time of “19:10” ofthe timeframe during which the user can pray to the principle deity ofthe satellite 110, whereby the user can offer a prayer to the principledeity of the satellite 110.

The example shown in FIG. 2A describes an example wherein the direction“west” toward which a user prays is designated by the user, but thepresent invention is not limited thereto. For example, the directiontoward which a user prays may be a direction designated by default(e.g., direction predetermined in accordance with the religious sectwith which the users associated themselves (or zodiac sign of the yearthe user was born)), a direction designated at random, or a directiondesignated in the past.

FIG. 2B shows an example of a screen 220 displayed on a user apparatus.FIG. 2B is an example of a screen for presenting a scenery viewed fromthe principle deity. The screen 220 is, for example, a screen that isautomatically displayed on a user apparatus when the start time of atimeframe during which a user can pray to the principle deity of thesatellite 110 has arrived.

In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the screen 220 comprises a firstdisplay region 221 for displaying a scenery of Earth seen from theprinciple deity, a second display region 222 displaying the principledeity, and the timeframe presentation region 212. In this manner, a usercan see the scenery of Earth seen from the principle deity and theexpression or appearance of the displayed principle deity, whereby theuser can feel as though they are being watched over by the principledeity.

In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the scenery of Earth seen from theprinciple deity is displayed on the first display region 221, and theprinciple deity is displayed on the second display region 222, but thepresent invention is not limited thereto. For example, the principledeity may be displayed on the first display region 221, and the sceneryof Earth seen from the principle deity may be displayed on the seconddisplay region 222. Alternatively, one of the scenery of Earth seen fromthe principle deity and the principle deity may be displayed on thefirst display region 221 without displaying the second display region222 on the screen 220. The example shown in FIG. 2B describes an examplewherein the principle deity is displayed to partially overlap with thescenery of Earth seen from the principle deity, but the presentinvention is not limited thereto. For example, the scenery of Earth seenfrom the principle deity and the principle deity may be displayedlaterally or vertically in parallel so that they do not overlap witheach other.

Information associated with the principle deity is displayed on thefirst display region 221 and the second display region 222. The sceneryof Earth seen from the principle deity and the principle deity shown inFIG. 2B are examples of information associated with the principle deity.Information associated with the principle deity displayed on a userapparatus is provided by information providing means installed in thesatellite 110 (e.g., first camera capable of capturing the scenery ofEarth seen from the principle deity, a second camera capable ofcapturing the principle deity of the satellite 110, or a camera capableof capturing 360 degrees around for capturing both the scenery of Earthseen from the principle deity and the principle deity (or the principledeity and the background thereof).

3. Another New Business Model for Providing a Service to a Plurality ofUsers By Utilizing a Satellite

The Applicant proposes another new business model for providing aservice to a plurality of users by utilizing a satellite on an orbitaround Earth. This business model is intended so that a wish of a userplaced in a laser can forever continue to fly in outer space by emittingthe laser from a satellite orbiting around Earth on an orbit. Thisbusiness model enables the satellite 110 to emit laser in accordancewith a desired message of a user in a direction toward which the laseris to be emitted by obtaining the direction toward which the satellite110 is to emit laser (e.g., direction toward a constellation ordirection toward a star) and the desired message of the user. Thisenables a wish of a user or a soul of a deceased individual (e.g., nameof the deceased individual or Dharma name of the deceased individual)placed on a laser to forever continue to fly in outer space toward, forexample, a certain constellation.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another new business model forproviding a service to a plurality of users by utilizing a satellite.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the satellite 110 is orbiting aroundEarth on the orbit 120, and the satellite 110 further comprises means114 for emitting a laser 130. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , thesatellite 110 emits the laser 130 toward the Big Dipper.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the satellite 110 emits a laser inaccordance with a desired message of a user toward the “Big Dipper” inresponse to receiving the direction indicating the “Big Dipper” and thedesired message of the user from a user apparatus (e.g., via a computersystem on Earth, or directly). Alternatively, the satellite 110 mayobtain the direction indicating the “Big Dipper” from a memory unit ofthe satellite 110 and emit a laser in accordance with a desired messageof a user toward the “Big Dipper” in response to receiving the desiredmessage of the user from a user apparatus (e.g., via a computer systemon Earth, or directly). This allows a desired message of a user placedin a laser to forever continue to fly in outer space toward the “BigDipper”.

The means 114 for emitting the laser 130 can have any configuration, aslong as a laser can be emitted toward a desired direction in outerspace.

4. Configuration of a Computer System for Materializing a New BusinessModel

FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of a computer system 410for materializing a new business model.

The computer system 410 is configured to be able to connect to at leastone user apparatus 430 ₁ to 430 _(N) used by a user and at least onesatellite 440 ₁ to 440 _(M) orbiting around Earth on an orbit via theInternet 420. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the computer system410 is configured to be able to communicate with each of at least onesatellite 440 ₁ to 440 _(M) via a ground station G. In this regard, Nand M are any integer that is one or greater. The satellite 110 shown inFIG. 1 is one of the at least one satellite 440 ₁ to 440 _(M).

The computer system 410 is an information processing systemmanaged/operated by a company that manages the at least one satellite440 ₁ to 440 _(M) and their respective religious objects. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the computer system 410 comprises aninterface unit 411, a processing unit 412 comprising one or more CPUs(Central Processing Units), and a memory unit 413. The hardwareconfiguration of the computer system 410 is not particularly limited, aslong as the function thereof can be materialized. The hardware may becomprised of a single machine or a combination of a plurality ofmachines.

The interface unit 411 controls the communication between each of the atleast one user apparatus 430 ₁ to 430 _(N) and the at least onesatellite 440 ₁ to 440 _(M).

A program required for executing processing, data required for executingthe program, etc. are stored in the memory unit 413. For example, aprogram for executing the processing shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8A isstored in the memory unit 413. In this regard, the program can be storedin the memory unit 413 in any manner. For example, a program may bepreinstalled in the memory unit 413. Alternatively, a program may beinstalled in the memory unit 413 by downloading the program via anetwork such as the Internet 420, or may be installed in the memory unit413 via a storage medium such as an optical disk or USB.

The processing unit 412 controls the entire operation of the computersystem 410. The processing unit 412 reads out a program stored in thememory unit 413 and executes the program. This enables the computersystem 410 to function as an apparatus that executes a desired step.

The computer system 410 is connected to a database unit 450. In theexample shown in FIG. 4 , the database unit 450 comprises a userdatabase unit 451, a deceased individual database unit 452, and asatellite database unit 453.

Each of the at least one user apparatus 430 ₁ to 430 _(N) is configuredto be able to communicate with the computer system 410 via the Internet420. For example, each of the at least one user apparatus 430 ₁ to 430_(N) may be a mobile wireless terminal such as a mobile phone,smartphone, tablet, smartglasses, or smartwatch, or a personal computersuch as a desktop PC or laptop PC.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the satellite 440 ₁ comprises aninterface unit 441, a processing unit 442 comprising one or more CPUs(Central Processing Units), a memory unit 443, and information providingmeans 444 for providing information associated with a religious object.

The information providing means 444 is, for example, one or both of afirst camera capable of capturing the scenery of Earth seen from areligious object and a second camera capable of capturing the religiousobject of the satellite 110, or a single camera capable of capturing 360degrees around to capture both the scenery of Earth seen from thereligious object and the religious object, but said means is not limitedthereto. In this regard, capturing of the religious object includescapturing the religious object and the background thereof in addition tocapturing only the religious object.

The satellite 440 ₁ may further comprise a propulsion mechanism forincreasing or decreasing the orbiting speed of the satellite 440 ₁ (notshown), a propulsion mechanism for maintaining the orbit around Earth onan orbit (not shown), and/or a posture controlling mechanism forcontrolling the orientation or posture of the satellite 440 ₁ (notshown) (e.g., thruster, magnetorquer, or gyro).

The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 describes an example wherein thesatellite 440 ₁ communicates with the computer system 410 via the groundstation G, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Thecommunication between the computer system 410 and each of the at leastone satellite 440 ₁ to 440 _(M) may be materialized by direct connectionwithout being relayed, or materialized via any ground station (relaystation) on Earth, which is capable of relaying satellite communicationwith ground communication. The communication between the computer system410 and each of the at least one satellite 440 ₁ to 440 _(M) may also bematerialized via any ground station (relay station) on Earth, which iscapable of relaying ground communication with ground communication inaddition to any ground station (relay station) on Earth, which iscapable of relaying satellite communication with ground communication.The number of ground stations (relay stations) relaying suchcommunication is any integer that is one or greater.

Since the configuration of the interface unit 441, processing unit 442,and memory unit 443 of the satellite 440 ₁ is the same as theconfiguration of the interface unit 411, processing unit 412, and memoryunit 413 of the computer system 410, a detailed description thereof isomitted herein. Since the configuration of each of the satellites 440 ₂to 440 _(M) is the same as the configuration of the satellite 440 ₁, adetailed description thereof is omitted herein.

The orbits around Earth of each of the satellites 440 ₁ to 440 _(M) mayall be the same, or at least some may be different, or all may bedifferent from one another.

The example shown in FIG. 4 describes that the at least one userapparatus 430 ₁ to 430 _(N) can communicate with the computer system 410via the Internet 420, but the present invention is not limited thereto.Any type of network can be used instead of the Internet 420. Aconfiguration that electrically couples the at least one user apparatus430 ₁ to 430 _(N) with the computer system 410 without going through theInternet 420 or any network that is a substitute thereof is also withinthe scope of the invention. Furthermore, a system integrallyincorporated with both the function of the user apparatus 430 ₁ and thefunction of the computer system 410 (i.e., standalone system) may beconstructed as the computer system 410. Such a standalone computersystem 410 is also within the scope of the invention.

In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the database unit 450 is providedexternal to the computer system 410, but the present invention is notlimited thereto. The database unit 450 can also be provided inside thecomputer system 410. The configuration of the database unit 450 is notlimited to a specific hardware configuration. For example, the databaseunit 450 may be comprised of a single hardware part or a plurality ofhardware parts. For example, the database unit 450 may be configured asa single external hard disk drive of the computer system 410, or asstorage on the cloud connected via a network. The configuration of eachdatabase unit contained in the database unit 450 is also not limited toa specific hardware configuration. For example, each database unitcontained in the database unit 450 may also be comprised of a singlehardware part or a plurality of hardware parts.

FIG. 5A shows an example of the configuration of information stored inthe user database unit 451.

Information related to a user is stored in the user database unit 451.Information related to a user can be identified by, for example,information for identifying the user (user ID). In the example shown inFIG. 5A, the user's name, gender, data of birth, location (address),phone number, E-mail address, religious sect, etc. are also stored inthe user database unit 451. If the direction is determined by default(e.g., in accordance with the religious sect), direction data indicatingthe direction determined by default may be further stored in the userdatabase unit 451.

To receive a service under the business model described in reference toFIGS. 1 to 3 , a user may need to register as a member in advance. Userinformation inputted during member registration can be stored within theuser database unit 451.

FIG. 5B shows an example of the configuration of information stored inthe deceased individual database unit 452.

Information related to a deceased individual is stored in the deceasedindividual database unit 452. Remains from cremation such as bonesand/or ash of the deceased individual is stored within a storage unit(especially one or more housings) of one of more of the at least onesatellite 440 ₁ to 440 _(M). Information related to a deceasedindividual can be identified by information for identifying the deceasedindividual (e.g., deceased individual ID). Information related to adeceased individual is associated with information for identifying auser (e.g., user ID for identifying a user who is a relative of thedeceased individual). The deceased individual's name, gender, date ofbirth, genetic information, religious information (e.g., religious sector Dharma name), etc., may be further stored in the deceased individualdatabase unit 452.

FIG. 5C shows an example of the configuration of information stored inthe satellite database unit 453.

Information related to a satellite is stored in the satellite databaseunit 453. Information related to a satellite can be identified byinformation for identifying a satellite (e.g., satellite ID).Information for identifying a satellite is associated with informationfor identifying a deceased individual (deceased individual ID) whoseremains from cremation such as bones and/or ash is stored within astorage unit of a satellite identified by the information foridentifying a satellite, as well as a user ID associated with theassociated deceased individual ID. The satellite database unit 453further stores information related to the orbit, orbital period, andpositional information of a satellite.

Information within the database unit 450 may also be stored in a memoryunit of each of the at least one satellite 440 ₁ to 440 _(M), wherebyeach of the at least one satellite 440 ₁ to 440 _(M) can obtain the sameinformation as information within the database unit 450 from the memoryunit as needed.

5. Processing of Computer System

FIG. 6 shows an example of the flow of processing executed in thecomputer system 410, user apparatus 430 ₁, and satellite 440 ₁. The flowof processing shown in FIG. 6 is for presenting information associatedwith a religious object of the satellite 440 ₁ to user A. Among theplurality of steps shown in FIG. 6 , steps S601, S603, and S612 areexecuted by, for example, a processing unit of the user apparatus 430 ₁,steps S602, S604 to S607, and S610 to S611 are executed by, for example,the processing unit 412 of the computer system 410, and steps S608 toS609 are executed by the processing unit 442 of the satellite 440 ₁. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , it is assumed that the user apparatus430 ₁ is used by user A. It is also assumed that a religious object towhich user A prays is enshrined in the satellite 440 ₁. Each step shownin FIG. 6 is described hereinafter.

Step S601: The user apparatus 430 ₁ transmits location data indicatingthe location of user A on Earth to the computer system 410. Locationdata on user A may be, for example, data indicating a location on Earthinputted by user A on the user apparatus 430 ₁, or data for positionalinformation of the user apparatus 430 ₁ on Earth which can be obtainedby the user apparatus 430 ₁ with its GPS function.

Step S602: The computer system 410 receives location data indicating thelocation of user A on Earth from the user apparatus 430 ₁.

Step S603: The user apparatus 430 ₁ transmits direction data indicatingdirection a to the computer system 410. Direction a is a directiontoward which user A prays to a religious object enshrined in thesatellite 440 ₁. Direction data indicating direction a may be, forexample, desired direction of user A inputted by user A on the userapparatus 430 ₁, a predetermined direction stored in advance in a memoryunit of the user apparatus 430 ₁, a direction designated at random(e.g., by the computer system 410), or a direction designated in thepast (e.g., direction designated in previous instance).

Step S604: The computer system 410 receives direction data indicatingdirection a from the user apparatus 430 ₁.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 describes an example wherein the computersystem 410 receives location data for user A from the user apparatus 430₁, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, thecomputer system 410 may receive a user ID of user A from the userapparatus 430 ₁ and reference the user database unit 451 based on thereceived user ID to obtain data indicating the address of user A storedin the user database unit 451 as location data for user A.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 describes an example wherein the computersystem 410 receives direction data from the user apparatus 430 ₁, butthe present invention is not limited thereto. For example, if thedirection toward which user A prays is predetermined, the computersystem 410 may receive a user ID of user A from the user apparatus 430₁, and reference the user database unit 451 based on the received userID to obtain direction data for user A stored in the user database unit451.

Step S605: The computer system 410 computes timeframe X during which thesatellite 440 ₁ is positioned within a space extending from a locationof user A on Earth toward direction α. This step is executed based atleast on location data for user A and direction data indicatingdirection α. This step can be executed based further on orbit andpositional information of the satellite 440 ₁.

In this regard, the space extending from a location of user A on Earthtoward direction α refers to a substantially conical space with thelocation of user A on Earth as the vertex, and direction α within therange of ±5 degrees (i.e., substantially conical shape having alongitudinal axis along direction α at a vertex angle of 10 degrees).

For example, if there are a plurality of satellites, the computer system410 may receive a satellite ID for identifying the satellite 440 ₁ fromthe user apparatus 430 ₁ and reference the satellite database unit 453based on the received satellite ID to identify the satellite 440 ₁.Alternatively, the computer system 410 may receive a user ID foridentifying user A from the user apparatus 430 ₁, reference thesatellite database unit 453 to identify a satellite ID associated withthe received user ID, and identify the satellite 440 ₁ based on theidentified satellite ID.

Step S606: The computer system 410 notifies the start time and end timeof timeframe X to user A. This step is achieved, for example, bytransmitting the start time and end time of timeframe X to the userapparatus 430 ₁, whereby the screen 210 shown in FIG. 2A can bedisplayed on the user apparatus 430 ₁ so that user A can be aware oftimeframe X and recognize that the start time of timeframe X isapproaching. This step is executed at a timing where the current time isbefore the start time of timeframe X.

Step S607: When nearing the start time of timeframe X, the computersystem 410 requests the satellite 440 ₁ to transmit informationassociated with a religious object in the satellite 440 ₁.

Step S608: The satellite 440 ₁ obtains information associated with areligious object in response to receiving a request to transmitinformation associated with a religious object from the computer system410. This processing is achieved by, for example, the informationproviding means 444 of the satellite 440 ₁. Obtaining informationassociated with a religious object comprises, for example, capturing thescenery of Earth seen from the religious object of the satellite 440 ₁by a first camera of the satellite 440 ₁ and capturing the religiousobject of the satellite 440 ₁ by a second camera of the satellite 440 ₁.Alternatively, obtaining information associated with a religious objectcomprises, for example, capturing both the scenery of Earth seen fromthe religious object and the religious object by a single camera capableof capturing 360 degrees of the satellite 440 ₁.

Step S609: The information providing means 444 of the satellite 440 ₁provides the information associated with a religious object obtained instep S608 to the computer system 410.

Step S610: The computer system 410 receives information associated witha religious object from the satellite 440 ₁.

Upon arrival of the start time of timeframe X, the computer system 410may notify user A of the start of timeframe X. This is achieved, forexample, by the computer system 410 notifying the start of timeframe Xto the user apparatus 430 ₁.

Step S611: Upon arrival of the start time of timeframe X, the computersystem 410 transmits information associated with a religious object tothe user apparatus 430 ₁ only during timeframe X.

Step S612: The user apparatus 430 ₁ receives information associated witha religious object from the computer system 410 only during timeframe X,whereby the screen 220 shown in FIG. 2B is displayed on the userapparatus 430 ₁ so that user A can feel as though they are being watchedover by a religious object of the satellite 440 ₁ from space.

As a result of the information providing means 444 of the satellite 440₁ transmitting information associated with a religious object to thecomputer system 410 “only during timeframe X”, the computer system 410may transmit the information associated with a religious object to theuser apparatus 430 ₁ “only during timeframe X”. Alternatively, theinformation providing means 444 of the satellite 440 ₁ may alwaystransmit information associated with a religious object to the computersystem 410, while the computer system 410 may transmit informationassociated with the religious object to the user apparatus 430 ₁ “onlyduring timeframe X”. Alternatively, the information providing means 444of the satellite 440 ₁ may always transmit information associated with areligious object and the computer system 410 may always transmitinformation associated with the religious object to the user apparatus430 ₁ in response to receiving information associated with the religiousobject, while the user apparatus 430 ₁ may receive informationassociated with the religious object “only during timeframe X”.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 describes an example of executing stepsS603 and S604 after steps S601 and S602, but the present invention isnot limited thereto. Steps S603 and S604 may be executed at any timingbefore step S605 is executed.

Steps S601 to S604 shown in FIG. 6 do not need to be executed every timein order to present information associated with a religious object inthe satellite 440 ₁ to user A. For example, steps S601 to S604 shown inFIG. 6 may be executed in advance, and location data for user A anddirection data may be stored in the database unit 450 of the computersystem 410 and/or the memory unit 443 of the satellite 440 ₁ before stepS605 is executed. In such a case, step S605 shown in FIG. 6 may beexecuted, for example, in response to receiving a user ID of user A fromthe user apparatus 430 ₁.

FIG. 7 shows another example of the flow of processing executed in thecomputer system 410, user apparatus 430 ₁, and satellite 440 ₁. The flowof processing shown in FIG. 7 is for providing an offering to one of theone or more housings of the satellite 440 ₁. Among the plurality ofsteps shown in FIG. 7 , step S701 is executed by, for example, aprocessing unit of the user apparatus 430 ₁, steps S702 to S704 areexecuted by the processing unit 412 of the computer system 410, andsteps S705 to S706 are executed by the processing unit 442 of thesatellite 440 ₁. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , it is assumed thatthe user apparatus 430 ₁ is used by user A. It is also assumed thatremains from cremation such as bones and/or ash of deceased individual Cwho is a relative of user A is stored in housing B, which is one of theone or more housings of the satellite 440 ₁. Each step shown in FIG. 7is described hereinafter.

Step S701: The user apparatus 430 ₁ transmits a deceased individual IDfor identifying deceased individual C who is a relative of user A anddesired data of user A to the computer system 410. Examples of desireddata include, but are not limited to, text data, image data, audio data,and a combination thereof. Image data is still image data and/or videodata.

Step S701 is executed at any timing. For example, step S701 can beexecuted immediately after step S612 of FIG. 6 .

Step S702: The computer system 410 receives a deceased individual ID foridentifying deceased individual C and desired data of user A from theuser apparatus 430 ₁.

Step S703: The computer system 410 references the satellite databaseunit 453 based on a deceased individual ID for identifying deceasedindividual C to identify a satellite ID of the satellite 440 ₁ havinghousing B, in which the remains from cremation such as bones and/or ashof deceased individual C is stored, whereby the satellite 440 ₁ isidentified as a destination of transmission of desired data of user A.

Step S704: The computer system 410 transmits desired data of user A tothe satellite 440 ₁ as an offering based on the satellite ID identifiedin step S703.

Step S705: The satellite 440 ₁ receives desired data of user A from thecomputer system 410.

Step S706: The satellite 440 ₁ stores the received desired data of userA in a memory unit of housing B. As a result, the desired data of user Ais transmitted to housing B from the computer system 410 as an offering,so that user A can give an offering with data such as a desired messageor image from anywhere on Earth to appease the soul of deceasedindividual C.

The computer system 410 may be configured so that points can be awardedto user A in accordance with the number of times the image 220 in FIG.2B is displayed on the user apparatus 430 ₁, the number of times user Ais deemed to have viewed the screen 220 by pressing or tapping a viewbutton that can be displayed on the screen 220 of FIG. 2B, the number oftimes user A has provided an offering in step S701 of FIG. 7 , etc. instep S612 of FIG. 6 , whereby user A can receive a special gift (e.g.,talisman, goods, shrine stamp, or image of shrine stamp) if pointsawarded exceed a threshold value. The threshold value of points awardedmay be stored, for example, in the database unit 450.

FIG. 8A shows an example of the flow of processing executed in thecomputer system 410. The flow of processing shown in FIG. 8A is forreleasing energy, having a desired message of a user placed therein,toward a desired direction of the user. Each step shown in FIG. 8A isexecuted by, for example, the processing unit 412 of the computer system410. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, it is assumed that the userapparatus 430 ₁ is used by user A. It is also assumed that the satellite440 ₁ is configured to be able to release energy. Examples of releasingenergy include, but are not limited to, releasing an electromagneticwave (e.g., light, radio wave, or laser) and ejecting an object. Eachstep shown in FIG. 8A is described hereinafter.

Step S801: A desired message of user A is obtained. This processing isachieved by, for example, receiving a desired message of user A from theuser apparatus 430 ₁. A desired message of user A is, for example, amessage inputted into the user apparatus 430 ₁ by user A.

Step S802: Direction data indicating direction β toward which energy isto be released is obtained. This processing may be achieved by, forexample, receiving direction data indicating direction β from the userapparatus 430 ₁, or by reading out direction data indicating direction βfrom the user database unit 451 of the computer system 410, based on auser ID of user A received from the user apparatus 430 ₁. Examples ofthe direction data indicating direction β include, but are not limitedto, data indicating a celestial body (e.g., data indicating a star(e.g., fixed start, planet, or satellite), data indicating aconstellation, and data indicating a nebula). Direction data may beconverted to an astronomical coordinate system (e.g., equatorialcoordinate system, ecliptic coordinate system, galactic coordinatesystem, or supergalactic coordinate system) by the computer system 410,but is preferably converted to an equatorial coordinate system.

If there are a plurality of satellites, the computer system 410 may, forexample, receive a satellite ID for identifying the satellite 440 ₁ fromthe user apparatus 430 ₁, and reference the satellite database unit 453based on the received satellite ID to identify the satellite 440 ₁.Alternatively, the computer system 410 may receive a user ID foridentifying user A from the user apparatus 430 ₁, reference thesatellite database unit 453 to identify a satellite ID associated withthe received user ID, and identify the satellite 440 ₁ based on theidentified satellite ID. Alternatively, the computer system 410 mayreference the satellite database unit 453 and identify a satellitecapable of releasing energy at the earliest moment toward direction β(e.g., satellite currently located at a location where energy can bereleased toward direction β or satellite that would arrive at a locationwhere energy can be released toward direction β at the earliest moment)based on at least one of information related to an orbit, orbitalperiod, and positional information stored in the satellite database unit453, whereby the satellite 440 ₁ is identified.

Step S803: A desired message of user A is temporarily stored in thememory unit 412 of the computer system 410. A desired message of user Ais read out from the memory unit 412 of the computer system 410 fortransmission to the satellite 440 ₁, before executing step S807.

Step S804: Time Y at which the satellite 440 ₁ is enabled to releaseenergy toward direction β is computed. This processing is executed, forexample, by referencing the satellite database unit 453 based on theorbit and positional information of the satellite 440 ₁. If energy istargeted for release toward a planet or asteroid within the solarsystem, time Y needs to be computed by further considering the orbit ofthe planet or asteroid. Such computation is performed based further on,for example, the orbit, orbital period, or positional information of astar that can be stored in the database unit 450. Time Y may be, forexample, “XX:OO Japan Standard Time”, “OO:ΔΔ Greenwich Mean Time”, or“XX hours and □□ minutes from current time”. For example, a timeframeduring which proceeding straight from the satellite 440 ₁ towarddirection β does not result in contact (collision) with Earth and/or Sunand/or Moon is a timeframe during which the satellite 440 ₁ can releaseenergy toward direction β.

Step S805: Time Z, at which communication with the satellite 440 ₁ isenabled, is computed. This processing is executed, for example, byreferencing the satellite database unit 453, based on the orbit andpositional information of the satellite 440 ₁ and positional informationof the computer system 410. Time Z may be, for example, “OO:XX JapanStandard Time”, “ΔΔ:OO Greenwich Mean Time”, or “□□ hours and XX minutesfrom current time”. Positional information of the computer system 410may be stored, for example, within the database unit 450. Time Z islocated before time Y on the temporal axis.

Step S806: It is determined whether time Z, at which communication withthe satellite 440 ₁ is enabled, has arrived. If the determination resultis “Yes”, processing proceeds to step S807. If the determination resultis “No”, processing returns to step S806.

Step S807: The desired message of user A obtained in step S801, thedirection data obtained in step S802, and time Y at which the satellite440 ₁ is enabled to release energy toward direction β are transmitted tothe satellite 440 ₁, whereby, upon arriving of time Y at which thesatellite 440 ₁ is enabled to release energy toward direction β, thesatellite 440 ₁ reaches a state in which energy in accordance with thedesired message of user A can be released. Examples of releasing energyin accordance with a desired message of user A include, but are notlimited to, releasing energy with varied release intervals in accordancewith a desired message of user A (e.g., energy release in a form ofMorse code).

The computer system 410 may further transmit an instruction to releaseenergy in accordance with a desired message of user A toward direction βto the satellite 440 ₁ in step S807 so that the satellite 440 ₁ releasesenergy in accordance with the desired message of user A toward directionβ in accordance with the instruction. Alternatively, the satellite 440 ₁may be configured to automatically release energy in accordance with adesired message of user A toward direction β upon arrival of time Y inresponse to receiving the combination of the desired message of user A,direction data, and time Y at which the satellite 440 ₁ is enabled torelease energy toward direction β.

After step S807, the computer system 410 may be configured to transmit anotification notifying that energy in accordance with a desired messageof user A has been released by satellite 440 ₁ to the user apparatus 430₁, whereby user A can find out that the release of energy in accordancewith a desired message of user A has been completed.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 8A describes an example of executing stepS803 after step S802, but the present invention is not limited thereto.Step 5803 can be executed at any timing after step S801 and before stepS807. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 describes an example of executingsteps S804 and S805 after step S803, but the present invention is notlimited thereto. Steps S804 and S805 can be executed at any timing afterstep S802 and before step S806.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 8A describes an example wherein thecomputer system 410 receives both a desired message of user A anddirection data from the user apparatus 430 ₁, but the present inventionis not limited thereto. The computer system 410 may obtain a desiredmessage of user A by a method such as receiving a message from the userapparatus 430 ₁, while obtaining direction data by a method other than amethod such as receiving data from the user apparatus 430 ₁. Forexample, when a desired message of user A comprises a flag indicatingthe type of direction data and the corresponding relationship betweenthe direction toward which energy is to be released and the flagindicating the type of direction data is stored in the database unit450, the computer system 410 may be configured to obtain the desiredmessage of user A in step S801, then identify the flag indicating thetype of direction data contained in the obtained desired message, andreference the database unit 450 based on the identified flag to identifya direction toward which energy is to be released.

FIG. 8B shows an example of the flow of processing executed in thesatellite 440 ₁. The flow of processing shown in FIG. 8B is forreleasing energy, having a desired message of a user placed therein,toward a desired direction of the user. Each step shown in FIG. 8B isexecuted by, for example, the processing unit 442 of the satellite 440₁. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8B, it is assumed that the satellite440 ₁ is configured so that energy can be released toward a desireddirection (comprises means for releasing energy toward a desireddirection). Examples of releasing energy include, but are not limitedto, releasing an electromagnetic wave (e.g., light, radio wave, orlaser) and ejecting an object. Each step shown in FIG. 8B is describedhereinafter.

Step S811: A desired message of user A, direction data indicatingdirection β toward which energy is to be released, and time Y at whichthe satellite 440 ₁ is enabled to release energy toward direction β arereceived. This processing is achieved, for example, by receiving thedesired message of user A, direction data, and time Y from the computersystem 410. Direction data may be converted to an astronomicalcoordinate system (e.g., equatorial coordinate system, eclipticcoordinate system, galactic coordinate system, or supergalacticcoordinate system) by the satellite 440 ₁, but is preferably convertedto an equatorial coordinate system.

Step 5812: It is determined whether time Y, at which the satellite 440 ₁is enabled to release energy toward direction β, has arrived. If thedetermination result is “Yes”, processing proceeds to step S813. If thedetermination result is “No”, processing returns to step S812.

Step S813: Aim is set in direction β so that the satellite 440 ₁ canrelease energy toward direction β. This processing may be achieved, forexample, by automatically changing the orientation of the means forreleasing energy by the means for releasing energy to orient the aim ofthe means for releasing energy toward direction β, or by automaticallychanging the orientation of the satellite 440 ₁ by the satellite 440 ₁by using a posture controlling mechanism for controlling theorientation/posture of the satellite 440 ₁ to orient the aim of themeans for releasing energy toward direction β.

Step S814: Energy in accordance with a desired message of user A isreleased toward direction β. This processing is executed by, forexample, means for releasing energy, and the satellite 440 ₁ comprisesmeans for releasing energy toward a desired direction.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B describe examples wherein thecomputer system 410 computes time Y, but the present invention is notlimited thereto. For example, the satellite 440 ₁ may compute time Y.More specifically, the embodiments may be configured so that:

(1) the computer system 410 obtains a desired message of user A;

(2) the computer system 410 obtains direction data indicating directionβ toward which energy is to be released;

(3) the computer system 410 computes time Z, at which communication withthe satellite 440 ₁ is enabled (based on, for example, orbit andpositional information of the satellite 440 ₁, and positionalinformation of the computer system 410);

(4) the computer system 410 determines whether time Z, at whichcommunication with the satellite 440 ₁ is enabled, has arrived;

(5) if it is determined that time Z, at which communication with thesatellite 440 ₁ is enabled, has arrived, the computer system 410transmits the desired message of user A and the direction dataindicating direction β toward which energy is to be released to thesatellite 440 ₁;

(6) the satellite 440 ₁ computes time Y at which the satellite 440 ₁ isenabled to release energy toward direction β (based on, for example,orbit and positional information of the satellite 440 ₁);

(7) the satellite 440 ₁ determines whether time Y at which the satellite440 ₁ is enabled to release energy toward direction β has arrived; and

(8) if it is determined that time Y at which the satellite 440 ₁ isenabled to release energy toward direction β has arrived, the satellite440 ₁ releases energy toward direction β.

As disclosed above, the present invention is exemplified by the use ofits preferred embodiments. However, the present invention should not beinterpreted to be limited to such embodiments. It is understood that thescope of the present invention should be interpreted based solely on theclaims. It is understood that an equivalent scope can be practiced bythose skilled in the art based on the descriptions of the presentinvention and common general knowledge from the specific descriptions inthe preferred embodiments of the invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is useful as an invention that provides a computersystem that enables materialization of the concept of “space temple”, amethod and a program that is executed in the computer system, etc.

Reference Signs List

410 Computer system

420 Internet

430 ₁ to 430 _(N) User apparatus

440 ₁ to 440 _(M) Satellite

450 Database unit

The invention claimed is:
 1. A computer system for providing a serviceto a plurality of users by utilizing a satellite on an orbit aroundEarth, wherein the computer system comprises a processing unit, thecomputer system is configured to enable a user apparatus and thesatellite to communicate, the satellite comprises a religious object andinformation providing means for providing information associated withthe religious object, the user apparatus is operated by a first user whois one of the plurality of users, and the processing unit is configuredto execute at least: obtaining location data indicating a location ofthe first user on Earth; obtaining direction data indicating a desireddirection of the first user; computing a timeframe based on the locationdata and the direction data, wherein, during the timeframe, thesatellite is positioned within a desired space of the first user, andthe desired space of the first user extends from the location of thefirst user on Earth toward the desired direction of the first user; andproviding information associated with the religious object provided bythe information providing means of the satellite, which is positionedwithin the desired space of the first user, to the user apparatus onlyduring the timeframe, wherein the information providing means comprisesa first camera, which is capable of capturing Earth from a viewpoint ofthe religious object, and the information associated with the religiousobject is an image of Earth from a viewpoint of the religious objectcaptured by the first camera.
 2. The computer system of claim 1, whereinthe information providing means further comprises a second camera, whichis capable of capturing the religious object, and the informationassociated with the religious object is an image captured by the firstcamera and an image captured by the second camera.
 3. The computersystem of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to furtherexecute notification of a start time of the timeframe and an end time ofthe timeframe in advance to the user apparatus.
 4. The computer systemof claim
 1. wherein the processing unit is configured to further executenotification of a start of the timeframe at a start time of thetimeframe.
 5. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the processingunit is configured to further execute transmission of desired data ofthe first user to the satellite.
 6. The computer system claim 1, whereinthe satellite further comprises one or more housings for storing remainsfrom cremation requested to be buried from each of the plurality ofusers.
 7. The computer system of claim 6, wherein the processing unit isconfigured to further execute: obtaining an identifier for identifyingeach of the one or more housings and desired data; and transmitting thedesired data to a housing identified by the identifier as an offering.8. The computer system of claim 6, wherein the desired data comprisestext data, image data, audio data, or a combination thereof.
 9. Thecomputer system of claim 1, wherein the religious object comprises astatue of Buddha.
 10. A method executed in a computer system forproviding a service to a plurality of users by utilizing a satellite onan orbit around Earth, wherein the computer system comprises aprocessing unit, the computer system is configured to enable a userapparatus and the satellite to communicate, the satellite comprises areligious object and information providing means for providinginformation associated with the religious object, the user apparatus isoperated by a first user who is one of the plurality of users, and themethod comprises: obtaining, by the processing unit, location dataindicating a location of the first user on Earth; obtaining, by theprocessing unit, direction data indicating a desired direction of thefirst user; computing, by the processing unit, a timeframe based on thelocation data and the direction data, wherein, during the timeframe, thesatellite is positioned within a desired space of the first user, andthe desired space of the first user extends from the location of thefirst user on Earth toward the desired direction of the first user; andproviding, by the processing unit, information associated with thereligious object provided by the information providing means of thesatellite, which is positioned within the desired space of the firstuser, to the user apparatus only during the timeframe, wherein theinformation providing means comprises a first camera, which is capableof capturing Earth from a viewpoint of the religious object, and theinformation associated with the religious object is an image of Earthfrom a viewpoint of the religious object captured by the first camera.11. A program executed in a computer system for providing a service to aplurality of users by utilizing a satellite on an orbit around Earth,wherein the computer system comprises a processing unit, the computersystem is configured to enable a user apparatus and the satellite tocommunicate, the satellite comprises a religious object and informationproviding means for providing information associated with the religiousobject, the user apparatus is operated by a first user who is one of theplurality of users, and the program, when executed by the processingunit, causes the processing unit to execute at least: obtaining locationdata indicating a location of the first user on Earth; obtainingdirection data indicating a desired direction of the first user;computing a timeframe based on the location data and the direction data,wherein, during the timeframe, the satellite is positioned within adesired space of the first user, and the desired space of the first userextends from the location of the first user on Earth toward the desireddirection of the first user; and providing information associated withthe religious object provided by the information providing means of thesatellite, which is positioned within the desired space of the firstuser, to the user apparatus only during the timeframe, wherein theinformation providing means comprises a first camera, which is capableof capturing Earth from a viewpoint of the religious object, and theinformation associated with the religious object is an image of Earthfrom a viewpoint of the religious object captured by the first camera.